Haemorrhoids also called as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Haemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum (internal piles) or around the anus (external piles).

External haemorrhoids

Signs and symptoms include.

1. Itching or irritation in the anal region
2. Pain or discomfort
3. Swelling around anus

Internal hemorrhoids

These lie inside the rectum. You cannot see them but straining or irritation when passing stool can cause

• Painless bleeding during bowel Movements. Some traces of blood may be seen on toilet tissue or in toilet.
• If the prolapsed or protruding haemorrhoids is pushed through the anal opening, it may result in pain and irritation

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

If blood collects in an external hemorrhoid it forms a clot (thrombi) which gives following symptoms.

• Swelling
• Inflammation with pain
• A lump near your anus

Risk factors

As you age, your risk of developing haemorrhoids increase. That’s because the tissues that support the veins in your reactum and anus weaken with age and stretch like what happens during pregnancy, Baby’s weight puts pressure on the anal region.    

Complications of Haemorrhoids

Anemia: It is rare, but chronic blood loss from haemorrhoids may cause anemia.
Strangulated hemorrhoid: If blood supply to internal haemorrhoid is cut off, the haemorrhoid may be strangulated which can give immense pain.
Blood clot formation: Also, called as (thrombosed pile). This condition can be very painfull and sometimes needs to be drained.

Prevention

  The best way to prevent piles is to keep your stools soft, so they pass easily.   

1. Eat high fiber foods, eat more fruits, vegetables. This increases the bulk of motions which helps prevent straining.

2. Exercise: If you exercise and stay active constipation can be prevented and pressure on veins can be avoided. Exercise also helps in reducing weight and pressure in veins. Reduce long hours of standing or sitting, this helps in reducing pressure on vessels.

3. Do not strain hard for stools. Straining while passing stools, creates more pressure over the veins and bleeding happens.

4. Drink plenty of fluids: This helps to keep stool soft.

5. Go as soon as you feel the urge to pass stools.
6. Avoid long hours of sitting. Sitting too long can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.

Internal Haemorrhoids

Internal haemorrhoids are graded by the degree of prolapse

Grade1- the internal haemorrhoids bulges into the canal but does not prolapse. These may bleed.

Grade2- the haemorrhoid protrudes while passing stool / flatus but spontaneously returns to its original internal position.

Grade3 – haemorrhoid may protrude at the anal verge without any staining and requires the patient to push them inside manually.